* THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO A CERTAIN KING, WHICH MADE A MARRIAGE FOR
HIS SON-Mt 22:2.A KING...SENT FORTH HIS SERVANTS
TO CALL THEM THAT WERE BIDDEN TO THE WEDDING: AND THEY WOULD NOT COME.
AGAIN, HE SENT FORTH OTHER SERVANTS, SAYING, TELL THEM WHICH ARE BIDDEN, BEHOLD,
I HAVE PREPARED MY DINNER: MY OXEN AND MY FATLINGS ARE KILLED, AND ALL THINGS
ARE READY: COME UNTO THE MARRIAGE. BUT THEY MADE LIGHT OF IT, AND WENT THEIR
WAYS, ONE TO HIS FARM, ANOTHER TO HIS MERCHANDISE: AND THE REMNANT TOOK HIS
SERVANTS, AND INTREATED THEM SPITEFULLY, AND SLEW THEM. BUT WHEN THE KING HEARD
THEREOF, HE WAS WROTH: AND HE SENT FORTH HIS ARMIES, AND DESTROYED THOSE MURDERERS,
AND BURNED UP THEIR CITY. THEN SAITH HE TO HIS SERVANTS, THE WEDDING IS READY,
BUT THEY WHICH WERE BIDDEN WERE NOT WORTHY. GO YE THEREFORE INTO THE HIGHWAYS,
AND AS MANY AS YE SHALL FIND, BID TO THE MARRIAGE. SO THOSE SERVANTS WENT OUT
INTO THE HIGHWAYS, AND GATHERED TOGETHER ALL AS MANY AS THEY FOUND, BOTH BAD
AND GOOD: AND THE WEDDING WAS FURNISHED WITH GUESTS-Mt 22:2-10. Many make excuses
and refuse to come to the wedding.These were older people. They
owned things. They were comfortable. These were settled down in their ways.
These did not even consider the invitation. These did not even make excuses.
These appeared to mock and ridicule the invitation. These persecuted and killed
God's servants. The older a person is, the harder it is for them to surrender
all and follow Jesus. This is also spiritual warfare.There are three such parables.
The other two appear in Lk 14:16-24, and 9:59-62.

THEN
SAID HE UNTO HIM, A CERTAIN MAN MADE A GREAT SUPPER, AND BADE MANY: AND
SENT HIS SERVANT AT SUPPER TIME TO SAY TO THEM THAT WERE BIDDEN, COME; FOR ALL
THINGS ARE NOW READY. AND THEY ALL WITH ONE CONSENT BEGAN TO MAKE EXCUSE. THE
FIRST SAID UNTO HIM, I HAVE BOUGHT A PIECE OF GROUND, AND I MUST NEEDS GO AND
SEE IT: I PRAY THEE HAVE ME EXCUSED. AND ANOTHER SAID, I HAVE BOUGHT FIVE YOKE
OF OXEN, AND I GO TO PROVE THEM: I PRAY THEE HAVE ME EXCUSED. AND ANOTHER SAID,
I HAVE MARRIED A WIFE, AND THEREFORE I CANNOT COME.SO THAT SERVANT CAME, AND
SHEWED HIS LORD THESE THINGS. THEN THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE BEING ANGRY SAID
TO HIS SERVANT, GO OUT QUICKLY INTO THE STREETS AND LANES OF THE CITY, AND BRING
IN HITHER THE POOR, AND THE MAIMED, AND THE HALT, AND THE BLIND. AND THE SERVANT
SAID, LORD, IT IS DONE AS THOU HAST COMMANDED, AND YET THERE IS ROOM. AND THE
LORD SAID UNTO THE SERVANT, GO OUT INTO THE HIGHWAYS AND HEDGES, AND COMPEL
THEM TO COME IN, THAT MY HOUSE MAY BE FILLED. FOR I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT NONE
OF THOSE MEN WHICH WERE BIDDEN SHALL TASTE OF MY SUPPER-Lk 14:16-24. Many have
been invited to the marriage feast also, but they will not come. Spiritual
warfare.These are younger people.
They were not as hard as the older people in Mt 22:2-10. They hear the invitation,
but they make excuses. They had many plans. They had just bought things. They
had just got married themselves. Their whole life was before them, and they
did not want to change.

AND
HE SAID UNTO ANOTHER, FOLLOW ME. BUT HE SAID, LORD, SUFFER ME FIRST TO GO AND
BURY MY FATHER. JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, LET THE DEAD BURY THEIR DEAD: BUT GO THOU
AND PREACH THE KINGDOM OF GOD. AND ANOTHER ALSO SAID, LORD, I WILL FOLLOW THEE;
BUT LET ME FIRST GO BID THEM FAREWELL, WHICH ARE AT HOME AT MY HOUSE. AND JESUS
SAID UNTO HIM, NO MAN, HAVING PUT HIS HAND TO THE PLOUGH, AND LOOKING BACK,
IS FIT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD-Lk 9:59-62.These may be the youngest
people. They are not tied down with being comfortable. They are not tied down
with many possessions. They are not tied down with having just got married or
having just bought things. They hear the invitation to follow Jesus. They did
not mock. They did not say no. Yet the first one wanted to hesitate and do something
else first. Jesus admonishes him. When Jesus calls to do something, absolutely
no excuse is acceptable, not even burying the dead.The other also wanted to hesitate
and go and say farewell to those at his house. Jesus admonishes him that once
a person is called to follow Him, he is not to look back. For if a person looks
back, rather than ahead to Jesus, he is not fit for the kingdom of God. This
is also spiritual warfare.

AND
THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION, THAT LIGHT (Jesus, the Word) IS COME INTO THE WORLD,
AND MEN "LOVED" DARKNESS (the ways of the world, the ways of Satan,
the ways of sin) RATHER THAN LIGHT (Jesus, the Word), BECAUSE THEIR DEEDS WERE
EVIL-Jn 3:19. Their mind and heart were set on the things and ways of "this"
world, rather than on the world to come. So they did not love the Word of God,
which is Jesus.

FOR
EVERY ONE THAT DOETH EVIL HATETH THE LIGHT (hateth Godís Word, hateth Jesus),
NEITHER COMETH TO THE LIGHT (they will not listen, read, and "do"
the Word: the Word is Jesus), LEST HIS DEEDS (the things he does) SHOULD BE
REPROVED (should be exposed, made known for what they are-evil)-Jn 3:20.

People
that will not come to the "Light," are stiff-necked and uncircumcised
in heart and ears. It is written, YE DO ALWAYS RESIST THE HOLY GHOST-Acts 7:51.
Jn 12:48-HE THAT REJECTETH ME, AND RECEIVETH NOT MY WORDS, HATH ONE THAT JUDGETH
HIM: THE WORD.

Jesus
tells "you" to follow Him. AND HE (Jesus) SAID UNTO ANOTHER, FOLLOW
ME. BUT HE SAID, LORD, SUFFER ME "FIRST" TO GO AND BURY
MY FATHER. JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, LET THE DEAD BURY "THEIR" DEAD: BUT
GO THOU AND PREACH THE KINGDOM OF GOD. AND ANOTHER ALSO SAID, LORD, I WILL FOLLOW
THEE; BUT LET ME "FIRST" GO BID THEM FAREWELL, WHICH ARE AT HOME AT
MY HOUSE. AND JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, NO MAN, HAVING PUT HIS HAND TO THE PLOUGH,
AND LOOKING BACK, IS FIT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD-Lk 9:59-62. Do not take the
words of Jesus lightly. A person that says, "I have to do certain things
first, before I come to Jesus," is deceived.

A
person that says, "I have to clean up my act first," is resisting
God. Repent immediately, and come. A person that will not come immediately,
is not fit for the kingdom of God. If He calls you, and you do not come, you
may never have another chance. You do not know what tomorrow will bring. Satan
puts into a personís mind that other things need to be taken care of first,
then follow Jesus later. There is a battle that goes on inside a person between
truth and error. Satan uses these tactics in unbelievers to keep them from surrendering
to Jesus now, and from doing what God wants them to do.

Jesus
said, A CERTAIN MAN MADE A GREAT SUPPER, AND BADE (invited) MANY: AND SENT HIS
SERVANT AT SUPPER TIME TO SAY TO THEM THAT WERE BIDDEN, COME; FOR ALL THINGS
ARE NOW READY. AND THEY "ALL" WITH "ONE" CONSENT BEGAN TO
MAKE EXCUSE.

Satan
uses such things both in the unbeliever and the carnal believer. THE FIRST SAID
UNTO HIM, I HAVE BOUGHT A PIECE OF GROUND, AND I MUST NEEDS GO AND SEE IT: I
PRAY THEE HAVE ME EXCUSED-Lk 14:16-18. He considered the cares of this life
more important than following Jesus. Now, undoubtedly, he had already seen the
land before buying it, yet he made an excuse to justify himself. He excused
himself, and chose hell rather than heaven.

AND
ANOTHER SAID, I HAVE BOUGHT FIVE YOKE OF OXEN, AND I GO TO PROVE THEM: I PRAY
THEE HAVE ME EXCUSED-Lk 14:19. This person also made an excuse. Undoubtedly,
he had already proven the oxen before he bought them. Thus, he may have just
made up an excuse because he did not wish to come to the great supper. The cares
of this world were more important to him than eternity with God. God came to
prove him, and he failed the test. The other had bought a piece of ground. God
wanted to give him a better piece of ground in the city of NEW JERUSALEM. Neither
of these people would put aside the love of this world for eternity with God.

AND
ANOTHER SAID, I HAVE MARRIED A WIFE, AND THEREFORE I CANNOT COME-Lk 14:20. Jesus
was calling this person to marry Him, and come to the marriage supper of the
Lamb. It is written, EVERY ONE THAT HATH FORSAKEN HOUSES, OR BRETHREN, OR SISTERS,
OR FATHER, OR MOTHER, OR WIFE, OR CHILDREN, OR LANDS, FOR MY NAMEíS SAKE, SHALL
RECEIVE AN HUNDREDFOLD, AND SHALL INHERIT EVERLASTING LIFE-Mt 19:29. Nothing
should keep a person from following Jesus, not lands, not oxen, not any material
possessions, or any job, not even a wife. No care of this world can be as important
as a total giving up of oneís self to Jesus. Yet, many put houses, lands, oxen,
vehicles, jobs, or brothers, sisters, fathers, or mothers, wives, or children,
even numerous cares of this life, before Jesus. Many are called to salvation,
but only a few are chosen.

Many
are called to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, but the cares, pleasures, lusts,
and deceitfulness of riches become as thorns that choke them. They bring no
fruit to perfection. What profit is there to gain the whole world, but perish?

SO
THAT SERVANT CAME, AND SHEWED HIS LORD THESE THINGS. He showed his lord that
he had invited many to come, but they all made excuses, and would not come.
THEN THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE BEING ANGRY SAID TO HIS SERVANT, GO OUT QUICKLY
INTO THE STREETS AND LANES OF THE CITY, AND BRING IN HITHER THE POOR, AND THE
MAIMED, AND THE HALT, AND THE BLIND-Lk 14:21. Will God choose someone else in
your place because you are too busy to follow Jesus?

Two
had made the statement, I HAVE BOUGHT. Their mind was not on Jesus. It was on
prospering in "this" world. All three were looking ahead to the future
in "this" world, and not the world to come. All three were blinded
and deceived by the things of this life. All three had plans of things "they"
wanted to do. None were willing to repent and change direction. None were willing
to forsake this world and do the will of God. It is written, Lk 14:33-SO LIKEWISE,
WHOSOEVER HE BE OF YOU THAT FORSAKETH NOT ALL THAT HE HATH, HE CANNOT BE MY
DISCIPLE (he cannot be saved). Satan had lied to these people, and they followed
Satanís thoughts rather than the Word of God. Satan tells many people you can
have the best of this world and have eternal life also. The Scriptures tell
us this is not true. The world tells us to gain worldly treasures. The Bible
says to give up this world. 1 Jn 2:15-LOVE NOT THE WORLD, NEITHER THE THINGS
THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. IF ANY MAN LOVE THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS
NOT IN HIM. Ja 4:4-KNOW YE NOT THAT THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD IS ENMITY (hatred)
WITH GOD? WHOSOEVER THEREFORE WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE "ENEMY"
OF GOD.

God
then invites the poor and the sick, those who are down and out. And these say,
"Yes." These people will not allow the things of this world to hinder
them from serving God. AND THE SERVANT SAID, LORD, IT IS DONE AS THOU HAST COMMANDED,
AND YET THERE IS ROOM. AND THE LORD SAID UNTO THE SERVANT, GO OUT INTO THE HIGHWAYS
AND HEDGES, AND COMPEL THEM TO COME IN, THAT MY HOUSE MAY BE FILLED-Lk 14:22,23.

Beware,
lest Satan deceive you, and you wither and fall away under the pressure of the
cares, pleasures, lusts, or riches of this life. Never let "anything"
stop you from following Jesus. For if it does, it becomes an idol. Jesus is
to be "your Lord."

And
what of all those who made excuses and would not come to the great supper? FOR
I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT "NONE" OF THOSE MEN WHICH WERE BIDDEN SHALL TASTE
OF MY SUPPER-Lk 14:24. Beware of Satan. We are in a spiritual battle. Your eternal
destiny is at stake.

2-A
REVIEW OF VARIOUS EXCUSES

TAKE
NO THOUGHT FOR YOUR
LIFE.TAKE NO THOUGHT...WHAT YE
SHALL EATTAKE NO THOUGHT...WHAT YE
SHALL DRINK.TAKE NO THOUGHT...FOR YOUR
BODY, WHAT YE SHALL PUT ON.TAKE NO THOUGHT, SAYING, WHAT
SHALL WE EAT?TAKE NO THOUGHT, SAYING,...WHAT
SHALL WE DRINK?TAKE NO THOUGHT, SAYING,...WHEREWITHAL
SHALL WE BE CLOTHED?TAKE...NO THOUGHT FOR THE
MORROW-ref Mt 6:25-34.

HE
THAT LOVETH FATHER OR MOTHER MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME: AND HE THAT LOVETH
SON OR DAUGHTER MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME. AND HE THAT TAKETH NOT HIS
CROSS, AND FOLLOWETH AFTER ME, IS NOT WORTHY OF ME. HE THAT FINDETH HIS LIFE
SHALL LOSE IT: AND HE THAT LOSETH HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE SHALL FIND IT-Mt 10:37-39.

THE
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO A CERTAIN KING, WHICH MADE A MARRIAGE FOR HIS
SON, AND SENT FORTH HIS SERVANTS TO CALL THEM THAT WERE BIDDEN TO THE WEDDING:
AND THEY WOULD NOT COME. THEY MADE LIGHT OF IT, AND WENT THEIR WAYS, ONE TO
HIS FARM, ANOTHER TO HIS MERCHANDISE:...WHEN THE KING HEARD THEREOF, HE WAS
WROTH:...THEN SAITH HE TO HIS SERVANTS, THE WEDDING IS READY, BUT THEY WHICH
WERE BIDDEN WERE NOT WORTHY. FOR MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN-Mt 22:2,3,5,7,8,14.

God
gives us three groups of people. All said, "No" to the invitation
God gave them. The first group said they would come, but "first" let
me do just one other thing. This first group did not seem so involved in the
world, and they considered coming. These may be young adults.

The
second group had done something, and they were more resistant to Godís invitation.
They had just bought something or had just gotten married. They did not want
the Lord to interfere with their worldly plans.

The
third group had settled down. They owned lands and merchandise. They were comfortable
in this world. They were the most resistant to Godís invitation as THEY MADE
LIGHT OF IT. Each time that God calls a person, if they say, "First let
me do something else," or if they say, "No," they seem to grow
harder toward God. May you not say no to God when He calls "you."
This group was probably older than group 1 or 2.

Beware,
that your job does not cause you to turn from obeying God. IN THE LATTER DAYS
(we are in the latter days now);...YE WILL DO EVIL IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD,
TO PROVOKE HIM TO ANGER THROUGH THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS-Deut 31:29. Beware, that
your job does not interfere with you going to church services, Bible studies,
and witnessing. Beware, that your job does not hinder you from selling out totally
to Jesus. Do not let your job stop you from serving the One who gave you the
job, Jesus.

Note
some of the words of the people who refused to follow Jesus:

SUFFER
"ME FIRST" TO GO.LET "ME FIRST" GO
BID THEM FAREWELL."I HAVE" BOUGHT
A PIECE OF GROUND, AND "I MUST" NEEDS GO AND SEE IT... "I HAVE"
BOUGHT FIVE YOKE OF OXEN, AND "I GO" TO PROVE THEM."I HAVE" MARRIED
A WIFE, AND THEREFORE "I CANNOT" COME."THEY" WOULD NOT
COME. THEY...WENT...ONE TO HIS FARM, ANOTHER TO HIS MERCHANDISE.

Beware
of the cares of this world. Beware of the pleasures of this world. Beware of
the lusts of other things and the deceitfulness of riches. Satan lies to peopleís
minds and tells them that these things are more important than following Jesus
"right now."

3-WHAT
IS BORN-AGAIN?

Jesus
tells us, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN AGAIN, HE CANNOT SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD-Jn 3:3.
Few people today understand the spiritual principle that Jesus was talking about.
The religious leaders in the days of Jesus also had difficulty understanding
what Jesus meant. One such person was Nicodemus. He was a Pharisee, A RULER
OF THE JEWS-Jn 3:1. NICODEMUS SAITH UNTO HIM (unto Jesus), HOW CAN A MAN BE
BORN WHEN HE IS OLD? CAN HE ENTER THE SECOND TIME INTO HIS MOTHERíS WOMB, AND
BE BORN? JESUS ANSWERED, VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO THEE, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN
OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, HE CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. THAT WHICH
IS BORN OF THE FLESH IS FLESH; AND THAT WHICH IS BORN OF THE SPIRIT IS SPIRIT-Jn
3:4-6. Thus, to be born-again is to be BORN OF THE SPIRIT.

Again,
the Scriptures show us that Nicodemus could not seem to understand. He said,
Jn 3:9,10-HOW CAN THESE THINGS BE? JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, ART THOU
A MASTER OF ISRAEL, AND KNOWEST NOT THESE THINGS? To be born-again is to have
three bear witness. AND THERE ARE THREE THAT BEAR WITNESS IN EARTH, THE SPIRIT,
AND THE WATER, AND THE BLOOD: AND THESE THREE AGREE IN ONE-1 Jn 5:8. The blood
is that of Jesus Christ which cleanses us from all sin. The water is that of
being buried with Jesus in baptism, which we are commanded to do after we believe
on Jesus Christ and repent of our sins (forsake our sins). The Spirit is the
Spirit of God (the Holy Ghost). As it is written, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY
ONE OF YOU...AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST-Acts 2:38. To have
the SPIRIT OF GOD DWELL IN YOU-Ro 8:9, is to be BORN OF THE SPIRIT, BORN AGAIN.
NOW IF "ANY" MAN HAVE NOT THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, HE IS NONE OF HIS-Ro
8:9. Note the words of Jesus, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT-Jn
3:5. The water of being BURIED WITH HIM (with Jesus) BY BAPTISM-Ro 6:4 comes
first, then the word Spirit follows. Godís Word clearly tells us we receive
Godís Spirit by "faith." By being baptized by full immersion we "justify
God" (or acknowledge that His way is right), BEING BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM
OF JOHN. But to refuse water baptism is to reject Jesus and His Word (His counsel).
BUT THE PHARISEES AND LAWYERS REJECTED THE COUNSEL OF GOD AGAINST THEMSELVES,
BEING NOT BAPTIZED OF HIM-Lk 7:29,30.

Thus,
to be born-again is to receive Christ by faith, repent (forsake your sins),
and be buried with Jesus by baptism. When we are buried with Jesus in baptism
our old sinful nature is to be buried. When we come up out of the water, we
are to WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE-Ro 6:4. Jesus took the sins of the world upon
Himself. He was crucified and buried. We are crucified and buried in water baptism.
We are not to live any longer in sin-ref Ro 6:4. OUR OLD MAN (our old sinful
ways) IS CRUCIFIED WITH HIM,...THAT HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN-Ro 6:6.
Once we come out of the water, we are to live UNTO GOD-Ro 6:10. As Col 2:12
tells us, BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM, WHEREIN ALSO YE ARE RISEN WITH HIM THROUGH
THE "FAITH" OF THE OPERATION OF GOD, WHO HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE
DEAD-Col 2:12. As Gal 3:27-tells us, FOR AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED
INTO CHRIST HAVE PUT ON CHRIST.

In
past decades, some have tried to force people to be baptized, saying that baptism
saved them. Other people when they hear they are to be baptized, did so, yet
they still perished to hell. They failed to understand that they "must"
have faith in Jesus Christ. They also must repent (forsake their sins). Jesus
tells us, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH-Lk 13:3. One needs
to understand that faith, repentance, and baptism go hand in hand. To leave
out one is to perish. To put baptism before faith or repentance is of no meaning.

Jesus
tells us, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, EXCEPT YE BE CONVERTED, AND BECOME AS LITTLE
CHILDREN, YE SHALL NOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN-Mt 18:3. To be BORN
OF THE SPIRIT is to be CONVERTED. Acts 3:19-REPENT YE THEREFORE, AND BE CONVERTED,
THAT YOUR SINS MAY BE BLOTTED OUT. Five more times, the Scriptures mention being
converted or we shall perish. Many people claim they are born-again, but they
have never been converted. There is no evidence of their life being converted
or changed. There is no evidence that they are a new creature or that their
mind has been transformed from the way it was.

You
see, when we are truly born-again, when we are truly converted, we become a
very different person. A conversion or change has taken place. This conversion
is lacking in most people that claim they are born-again. Col 3:9,10-SEEING
THAT YE HAVE PUT OFF THE OLD MAN WITH HIS DEEDS; AND HAVE PUT ON THE NEW MAN,
WHICH IS RENEWED IN KNOWLEDGE AFTER THE IMAGE OF HIM THAT CREATED HIM. A conversion
has taken place. A person has become born-again, changed. We put off the old.
We put on the new. We no longer practice sin and follow the world. We begin
to follow Jesus and look forward to the world to come.

Eph
4:22-THAT YE PUT OFF CONCERNING THE FORMER CONVERSATION THE OLD MAN, WHICH IS
CORRUPT ACCORDING TO THE DECEITFUL LUSTS; (24)-AND THAT YE PUT ON THE NEW MAN,
WHICH AFTER GOD IS CREATED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TRUE HOLINESS. Again, the Scriptures
show us a conversion has taken place as a result of being born-again. A change
has taken place in a personís life. The person has put on a new nature. Eph
2:2,3-WHEREIN IN "TIME PAST" (before being born-again and converted)
YE WALKED ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF THIS WORLD, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCE OF
THE POWER OF THE AIR, THE SPIRIT THAT NOW WORKETH IN THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE:
AMONG WHOM ALSO WE ALL HAD OUR CONVERSATION IN TIMES PAST IN THE LUSTS OF OUR
FLESH, FULFILLING THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND OF THE MIND; AND WERE "BY
NATURE" THE CHILDREN OF WRATH, EVEN AS OTHERS.

As
a born-again, converted Christian we MIGHT BE PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE,
HAVING ESCAPED THE CORRUPTION THAT IS IN THE WORLD THROUGH LUST-2 Pe 1:4. Before
being converted, we had a disobedient nature, a nature which wanted to fulfill
the desires of the flesh and mind. But once converted, we receive the Holy Spirit,
and we begin walking in the footsteps of Jesus. We put on a nature that yields
to God and seeks to do His good pleasure. We put off "self," and we
put on God.

A
born-again, converted Christian is to BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD: BUT BE
YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YE MAY PROVE WHAT IS THAT
GOOD, AND ACCEPTABLE, AND PERFECT, WILL OF GOD-Ro 12:2. A converted Christian
has his mind renewed, transformed, changed. His mind is no longer centered on
this world. The nature of the transformed mind centers on Jesus, on the Word.
The old way of thinking has been replaced with a new way of thinking. For the
converted Christian has THE MIND OF CHRIST-1 Cor 2:16. Our old carnal (worldly)
self-centered ways of acting and thinking become replaced with a new nature,
that may be best summed up in one word, love. Eph 4:23-BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT
OF YOUR MIND.

THEREFORE
IF "ANY" MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE: OLD THINGS ARE PASSED
AWAY; BEHOLD, "ALL" THINGS ARE BECOME NEW-2 Cor 5:17. A born-again,
changed Christian has repented and put off the old worldly, sinful, lustful,
self-centered, prideful, egotistical ways, and has put on the newóALL THINGS
ARE BECOME NEW. FOR IN CHRIST JESUS NEITHER CIRCUMCISION AVAILETH ANY THING,
NOR UNCIRCUMCISION, BUT A NEW CREATURE-Gal 6:15. To be born-again is to become
a new creature, one that is much different than he was.

Such
a transformation is impossible by man. Titus 3:5-NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
WHICH WE HAVE DONE. Some people get the notion they are born-again, just because
they are a good person. Satan has lied to their mind, and they believed it.
BUT WE ARE ALL AS AN UNCLEAN THING, AND ALL OUR RIGHTEOUSNESSES ARE AS FILTHY
RAGS-Isa 64:6. But thanks be to God who calls us. For with God all things are
possible. God gives us His Spirit which indwells inside a converted, born-again
Christian. This gives him incredible power to resist sin as he submits to God.
GREATER IS HE (Godís Spirit) THAT IS IN YOU, THAN HE (Satan) THAT IS IN THE
WORLD-1 Jn 4:4. We are born-again, NOT OF BLOOD, NOR OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH,
NOR OF THE WILL OF MAN, "BUT OF GOD"-Jn 1:13. The new birth does not
come from self-righteousness. It does not come OF THE WILL OF MAN, "BUT
OF GOD."

AS
NEWBORN BABES, DESIRE THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD, THAT YE MAY GROW THEREBY-1
Pe 2:2. The Scriptures are showing us again, that a new birth has taken place.
The result of that new birth is that the person desires the SINCERE MILK OF
THE WORD. A newly converted Christian is a baby Christian. A baby needs milk
to grow. The new Christian has a desire for the Word of God.

The
old man produces death. The new man produces life. For when we become born-again,
it is written, BUT AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME
THE SONS OF GOD-Jn 1:12.

Once
we become a converted, born-again Christian, we have a personal relationship
with God. Now, I do not know the President of my country, personally, but his
wife does. I know about him, but I do not have a personal relationship with
him. Then suppose one day, I get introduced to him, and he tells me, "You
can call on me anytime for help." Now, I have a personal relationship with
him.

This
is the way it is for one who has received Jesus as their Lord and Savior (born-again).
He has a personal relationship with Christ. Christ lives inside him and directs
his every move as he yields to and obeys the Holy Ghost. As Phili 3:10 tells
us, THAT I MAY "KNOW" HIM.

Now,
I must caution you. For some think they have a personal relationship with God,
but their fruits (their actions) testify that they are following a strangerís
voice (the devil). YE KNOW THAT EVERY ONE THAT DOETH RIGHTEOUSNESS IS BORN OF
HIM-1 Jn 2:29. WHOSOEVER DOETH NOT RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT OF GOD, NEITHER HE THAT
LOVETH NOT "HIS BROTHER"-1Jn 3:10. BELOVED, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER:
FOR LOVE IS OF GOD; AND EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH IS BORN OF GOD, AND KNOWETH GOD.
HE THAT LOVETH NOT KNOWETH NOT GOD; FOR GOD IS LOVE-1Jn 4:7,8. WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH
THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST IS BORN OF GOD: AND EVERY ONE THAT LOVETH "HIM"
THAT BEGAT LOVETH "HIM ALSO THAT IS BEGOTTEN OF HIM"-1 Jn 5:1. Do
you love every single person that is born of God? Do you love with all your
heart "all" the born-again, television evangelists? Examine yourself
to see if you are truly "in the faith." Do you love all the brothers
in Christ, no matter what denomination they are?

WHATSOEVER
IS BORN OF GOD OVERCOMETH THE WORLD: AND THIS IS THE VICTORY THAT OVERCOMETH
THE WORLD, EVEN OUR FAITH-1 Jn 5:4. Examine yourself to see if you are a converted,
born-again Christian, or has the devil misled you into believing a lie? Have
you received Christ by faith, repented of your sins, and been baptized by full
immersion after you believed? Are you living a life that is surrendered to obeying
the Gospel? Are your prayers getting answered, or are they bouncing off the
walls? Is your conversation usually centered on Jesus, or on the world when
talking to your relatives, friends and fellow workers? Do you follow the Spirit
of truth, or the spirit of error?-(ref 1 Jn 4:6). Does the way you live reflect
Jesus? Is your #1 concern winning souls?

4-WHEREFORE
BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM-Mt 7:20

The
Scriptures have shown us that when a person is born-again, he becomes a changed
person. There are many things we can look for that can give us an indication
whether that change has really taken place or not. Usually, if a person states
he has faith, says he has repented, and been baptized as the Bible commands,
yet no change has taken place; it is because there is some sin he will not give
up, or may not acknowledge there is sin in his life. Listed here are just a
few of the many items Godís Word gives us to help us examine ourselves.

WE
ARE OF GOD: HE THAT KNOWETH GOD HEARETH US; HE THAT IS NOT OF GOD HEARETH NOT
US. HEREBY "KNOW" WE THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR-1
Jn 4:6. LEAN NOT UNTO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING-Pv 3:5. BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN
EYES: FEAR THE LORD, AND DEPART FROM EVIL-Pv 3:7.

In
order for the conversion to take place, one needs to surrender to Jesus. A person
needs to humble himself before Jesus, before Godís Word, and allow Jesus to
make changes in his life. A person is not to resist God or Godís Word. Instead,
a person is to submit to God, and resist the devil. A born-again Christian is
to let Jesus reign over him and deny self. Obey the Bible, not Satanís lies
that he puts in your mind. Remember, there is a battle going on for your soul.

1.
Repentance means to give up the old, and put on the new. One sign
we may look for that a person has become a converted, born-again Christian is
he gives up drugs, alcohol, wild parties, smoking, astrology and all willful
sin. BUT GOD BE THANKED, THAT YE "WERE" (past tense) THE SERVANTS
OF SIN, BUT YE HAVE "OBEYED FROM THE HEART" THAT FORM OF DOCTRINE
WHICH WAS DELIVERED YOU (the Bible)-Ro 6:17. NOW YIELD YOUR MEMBERS (your body)
SERVANTS TO RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO HOLINESS-Ro 6:19. THERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION
TO THEM WHICH ARE IN CHRIST JESUS (saved), WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE "FLESH",
BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT-Ro 8:1. HE THAT HATH MY COMMANDMENTS, AND KEEPETH THEM,
HE IT IS THAT LOVETH ME-Jn 14:21. IF YE LIVE AFTER THE FLESH, YE SHALL DIE-Ro
8:13. KNOW YE NOT THAT YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, AND THAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD
DWELLETH IN YOU? IF ANY MAN DEFILE (causes to wither or destroy) THE TEMPLE
OF GOD, HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY-1 Cor 3:16,17.

Astrology
is an abomination to God. Do not even look at the horoscopes. LET NOW THE ASTROLOGERS,
THE STARGAZERS, THE MONTHLY PROGNOSTICATORS, STAND UP, AND SAVE THEE FROM THESE
THINGS THAT SHALL COME UPON THEE. BEHOLD, THEY SHALL BE AS STUBBLE; THE FIRE
SHALL BURN THEM-Isa 47:13,14. IF THERE BE FOUND AMONG YOU,...THAT HATH...GONE
AND SERVED OTHER GODS, AND WORSHIPPED THEM, EITHER THE SUN, OR MOON, OR ANY
OF THE HOST OF HEAVEN (astrology),...AND, BEHOLD, IT BE TRUE,...THAT SUCH ABOMINATION
IS WROUGHT IN ISRAEL:...THOU...SHALT STONE THEM WITH STONES, TILL THEY DIE-Deut
17:2-5. Astrology is a form of denying the GOD THAT IS ABOVE-ref Job 31:26-28.

2.
Another sign we may look for that a person has become a converted, born-again
Christian is he "has" a thirst to read the Bible and
to partake of Bible studies to learn of Jesus. If that great desire is lacking,
then it is a solid indication that the person has not been converted. He is
not truly born-again. AS NEWBORN BABES, "DESIRE" (yearn, intensely
crave, long after, earnestly and greatly desire) THE SINCERE (pure) MILK OF
THE WORD, THAT YE MAY GROW THEREBY: "IF" SO BE YE HAVE TASTED THAT
THE LORD IS GRACIOUS-1 Pe 2:2,3, (if you are really born of the Spirit). As
a newborn baby cries and craves milk, so "will" the true converted
Christian crave the milk of Godís Word. If the person does not yearn to go to
church to hear the Word, does not crave to read his Bible often, and does not
earnestly desire Bible studies when they become available to him, then the Word
indicates that he has not tasted THAT THE LORD IS GRACIOUS. He is not saved.
For the born-again Christian, HIS DELIGHT IS IN THE LAW OF THE LORD (the Bible);
AND IN HIS LAW DOTH HE MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT-Ps 1:2. Mt 11:29-tells us, LEARN
OF ME (of Jesus). SURELY AFTER THAT I WAS TURNED, I REPENTED; AND AFTER THAT
"I WAS INSTRUCTED", I SMOTE UPON MY THIGH: I WAS ASHAMED, YEA, EVEN
CONFOUNDED, BECAUSE I DID BEAR THE REPROACH OF MY YOUTH-Jere 31:19.

3.
Another sign we may look for is a change in attitude toward love,
toward humility, toward obeying them that have the rule over them, toward letting
Jesus reign over them. 1 Jn 3:14-WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO
LIFE (a conversion has taken place in the personís life), BECAUSE "WE LOVE"
THE BRETHREN. HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER ABIDETH IN DEATH (he is not saved).
LET US NOT LOVE IN WORD, NEITHER IN TONGUE; BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH. AND HEREBY
"WE KNOW" THAT WE ARE OF THE TRUTH-1 Jn 3:18,19.

We
are to humble ourselves. EXCEPT YE BE CONVERTED, "AND" BECOME AS LITTLE
CHILDREN, YE SHALL NOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. WHOSOEVER THEREFORE
SHALL HUMBLE HIMSELF AS THIS LITTLE CHILD, THE SAME IS GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM
OF HEAVEN-Mt 18:3,4. GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, BUT GIVETH GRACE UNTO THE HUMBLE-Ja
4:6.

REMEMBER
THEM WHICH HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU, WHO HAVE SPOKEN UNTO YOU THE WORD OF GOD:
WHOSE FAITH FOLLOW, CONSIDERING THE END OF THEIR CONVERSATION. OBEY THEM THAT
HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU, AND SUBMIT YOURSELVES: FOR THEY WATCH FOR YOUR SOULS,
AS THEY THAT MUST GIVE ACCOUNT, THAT THEY MAY DO IT WITH JOY, AND NOT WITH GRIEF:
FOR THAT IS UNPROFITABLE FOR YOU-Heb 13:7,17. But some will not let Jesus reign
over them. BUT THOSE MINE ENEMIES, WHICH WOULD NOT THAT I SHOULD REIGN OVER
THEM, BRING HITHER, AND SLAY THEM BEFORE ME-Lk 19:27.

4.
Another sign we can look for that indicates a person has been converted, is
that they begin attending a Bible teaching church on a regular
basis that has a born-again, fruit-bearing pastor whose teaching is in harmony
with the Scriptures. Such a church would emphasize repentance and baptism by
full immersion. Such a church would believe in exalting the name of Jesus, and
teaching "all" the Bible, including prophecy. Such a church would
believe in having their people go forth to win the lost to Jesus. Such a church
would emphasize prayer and Bible study. And most important, the pastorís life
should reflect Jesus. Such a church would love others.

Heb
10:25-NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING OF OURSELVES TOGETHER, AS THE MANNER OF SOME
IS; BUT EXHORTING ONE ANOTHER: AND SO MUCH THE MORE, AS YE SEE THE DAY APPROACHING.
A born-again Christian should seek to have daily fellowship. Acts 2:46-AND THEY,
CONTINUING DAILY WITH ONE ACCORD IN THE TEMPLE, AND BREAKING BREAD FROM HOUSE
TO HOUSE, DID EAT THEIR MEAT WITH GLADNESS AND SINGLENESS OF HEART.

The
best time for Satan to tempt us and cause us to fall is when we do not have
fellow Christians to help us stand, to help us see if we are going astray. FOR
IF THEY FALL, THE ONE WILL LIFT UP HIS FELLOW: BUT WOE TO HIM THAT IS ALONE
WHEN HE FALLETH; FOR HE HATH NOT ANOTHER TO HELP HIM UP-Ecc 4:10. In olden times,
there were false believers that lived in sin, yet they went to church. Today
is the same. WILL YE STEAL, MURDER, AND COMMIT ADULTERY, AND SWEAR FALSELY,
AND BURN INCENSE UNTO BAAL, AND WALK AFTER OTHER GODS WHOM YE KNOW NOT; AND
COME AND STAND BEFORE ME IN THIS HOUSE, WHICH IS CALLED BY MY NAME...?-Jere
7:9,10.

5.
Another sign we can look for that indicates a person has been converted is they
tell others that Jesus is their Savior, and they get involved
in serving the Lord in some way. The Bible tells us, 1 Pe 3:15-BE READY ALWAYS
TO GIVE AN ANSWER TO EVERY MAN THAT ASKETH YOU A REASON OF THE HOPE THAT IS
IN YOU WITH MEEKNESS AND FEAR. FOR WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS;
AND WITH THE MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO SALVATION. FOR THE SCRIPTURE SAITH,
WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON HIM SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED-Ro 10:10,11. 1 Tim 6:12-tells
us, PROFESSED A GOOD PROFESSION BEFORE MANY WITNESSES. Should a person be afraid
and refuse to tell others that Jesus is their only hope of salvation, it is
a good indication that they have not been converted. However, the fact that
someone does confess Jesus does not mean they are saved, for many confess Jesus
but will not depart from iniquity.

Eph
2:10-tells us, FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD
WORKS, WHICH GOD HATH BEFORE ORDAINED THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM. WHEREFORE
BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM-Mt 7:20. FOR AS THE BODY WITHOUT THE SPIRIT
IS DEAD, SO FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD ALSO-Ja 2:26.

6.
Another sign we may look for is a change in conversation. A personís mind
now begins to center on Jesus and the things of the Bible. Using the
name of the Lord as a curse word stops. Filthy language stops. For the unsaved,
GOD IS NOT IN ALL HIS THOUGHTS-Ps 10:4. THEY ARE OF THE WORLD: THEREFORE SPEAK
THEY OF THE WORLD, AND THE WORLD HEARETH THEM. HEREBY "KNOW WE" THE
SPIRIT...OF ERROR-1 Jn 4:5,6. HE THAT IS OF THE EARTH IS EARTHLY, AND SPEAKETH
OF THE EARTH-Jn 3:31. FOR TO BE CARNALLY (worldly) MINDED IS DEATH...BECAUSE
THE CARNAL (worldly) MIND IS ENMITY (hatred) AGAINST GOD...FOR IF YE LIVE AFTER
THE FLESH, YE SHALL DIE-Ro 8:6,7,13. (FOR MANY WALK...WHOSE END IS DESTRUCTION,
WHOSE GOD IS THEIR BELLY, AND WHOSE GLORY IS IN THEIR SHAME, WHO MIND EARTHLY
THINGS.)-Phili 3:18,19.

PUT
OFF CONCERNING THE "FORMER CONVERSATION THE OLD MAN, WHICH IS CORRUPT"
ACCORDING TO THE "DECEITFUL LUSTS"; AND BE "RENEWED" IN
THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND; AND...PUT ON THE "NEW MAN," WHICH AFTER GOD
IS CREATED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TRUE HOLINESS-Eph 4:22-24. How should the language
of the converted, born-again Christian be? MY MOUTH SHALL SHEW FORTH "THY"
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND "THY" SALVATION ALL THE DAY-Ps 71:15.

7.
Another sign we may look for is a change of attitude toward this world. Our
mind and actions should indicate we no longer love this world,
but are looking for the world to come. Our attitude should be to stop
laying up treasures on this earth, and begin laying up treasures in
heaven. LOVE NOT THE WORLD, NEITHER THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. IF ANY
MAN LOVE THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM-1 Jn 2:15. (If any
man love the world, he is not saved). YE ADULTERERS AND ADULTERESSES, KNOW YE
NOT THAT THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD IS ENMITY (hatred) WITH GOD? WHOSOEVER
THEREFORE WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE ENEMY OF GOD-Ja 4:4. FOR GODLY
SORROW WORKETH REPENTANCE TO SALVATION "NOT TO BE REPENTED OF": BUT
THE SORROW OF THE WORLD WORKETH DEATH-2Cor7:10. KEEP...UNSPOTTED FROM THE WORLD-Ja
1:27.

LAY
NOT UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES UPON EARTH, WHERE MOTH AND RUST DOTH CORRUPT,
AND WHERE THIEVES BREAK THROUGH AND STEAL: BUT LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES
IN HEAVEN, WHERE NEITHER MOTH NOR RUST DOTH CORRUPT, AND WHERE THIEVES DO NOT
BREAK THROUGH NOR STEAL: FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE
ALSO-Mt 6:19-21. SO LIKEWISE, WHOSOEVER HE BE OF YOU THAT FORSAKETH NOT ALL
THAT HE HATH, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE-Lk 14:33. Paul writes, I COUNT ALL THINGS
BUT LOSS FOR THE EXCELLENCY OF THE "KNOWLEDGE" OF CHRIST JESUS MY
LORD: FOR WHOM I HAVE "SUFFERED THE LOSS OF ALL THINGS," AND DO COUNT
THEM BUT DUNG, THAT I MAY WIN CHRIST-Phili 3:8.

8.
Another sign we may look for that a conversion has taken place is that the newborn
Christian begins putting away unsaved friends. The converted,
born-again Christian seeks out friends that are also born-again. He is to stop
listening to the advice of the unsaved, for their counsel (under the cover of
the best intentions) will often lead the new born-again Christian astray.

Now,
Godís command to stop fellowshipping with the unsaved, often becomes a stumbling
block for many Christians. They are stubborn and rebel against this commandment.
They refuse to put away their unsaved friends, boyfriends, and girlfriends,
etc. Many Christians have fallen, because they refuse to obey Godís commandments.
The unsaved have not the things of God in mind. Your destination, if you are
saved, is heaven. Theirs is hell. Your goals are Godís goals. Their goals are
"self". Your thoughts are to center on Jesus. Their thoughts are centered
on how to fulfill the lusts of this world. Beware of one of Satanís lies: that
you should still fellowship with them, so you can win them to Christ. You cannot
be a witness for Jesus and live in disobedience to the Bible. Satan may lie
to a person to stay in a church that does not follow and obey Jesus Christ.
Satan may say, "Stay there, so you can win some to Christ." You are
to obey God, not Satanís lies. Testify to your unsaved friends, but do not continue
to fellowship with them. BE YE "NOT" UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH
UNBELIEVERS: FOR WHAT FELLOWSHIP HATH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH UNRIGHTEOUSNESS? AND
WHAT COMMUNION HATH LIGHT WITH DARKNESS? AND WHAT CONCORD HATH CHRIST WITH BELIAL?
OR WHAT PART HATH HE THAT BELIEVETH WITH AN INFIDEL (an unbeliever)? WHEREFORE
COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE, SAITH THE LORD, AND TOUCH NOT
THE UNCLEAN THING; "AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU"-2 Cor 6:14,15,17. PUT
AWAY FROM AMONG YOURSELVES THAT WICKED PERSON-1 Cor 5:13. AND IF ANY MAN OBEY
NOT OUR WORD BY THIS EPISTLE, NOTE THAT MAN, AND HAVE NO COMPANY WITH HIM, THAT
HE MAY BE ASHAMED-2 Thes 3:14.

BLESSED
IS THE MAN THAT WALKETH NOT IN THE COUNSEL OF THE UNGODLY, NOR STANDETH IN THE
WAY OF SINNERS, NOR SITTETH IN THE SEAT OF THE SCORNFUL-Ps 1:1.

9.
Another sign we may look for that indicates a conversion has taken place is
that the new Christian becomes selective in his television viewing
and radio listening. The Scriptures tell us not to commit adultery, not to commit
murder, etc. How can we read about holiness in the Bible, and then turn right
around and watch adultery and murder on television? How can we partake of Godís
holiness, yet watch soap operas? YE CANNOT DRINK THE CUP OF THE LORD, AND THE
CUP OF DEVILS: YE CANNOT BE PARTAKERS OF THE LORDíS TABLE, AND OF THE TABLE
OF DEVILS-1 Cor 10:21. The Bible tells us, I WILL SET NO WICKED THING BEFORE
MINE EYES-Ps 101:3. Most of what is on the television is wicked. It includes
things which the Bible tells us we are not to do. CEASE, MY SON, TO HEAR THE
INSTRUCTION THAT CAUSETH TO ERR FROM THE WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE-Pv 19:27. TURN NOT
TO THE RIGHT HAND NOR TO THE LEFT: REMOVE THY FOOT FROM EVIL-Pv 4:27.

10.
Another sign we look for is a change in the personís prayer life. The new convert
should begin praying over all he drinks and eats. He should begin earnestly
seeking the Lord in prayer daily. The new convert should always pray in the
name of Jesus Christ. As the new, born-again Christian learns what Godís will
is from the Bible, more and more of his prayers should get answered. IN "ALL"
THY WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS. BE NOT WISE IN THINE
OWN EYES: FEAR THE LORD, AND DEPART FROM EVIL-Pv 3:6,7. BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING
(not anxious about anything); BUT IN "EVERY THING" BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION
"WITH THANKSGIVING" LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD-Phili
4:6. And always pray in the name of Jesus. AND WHATSOEVER YE SHALL ASK "IN
MY NAME", THAT WILL I DO, THAT THE FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED IN THE SON-Jn
14:13.

11.
Another sign we look for is, does the person fear God? Some people
that claim they are born-again may also say they have no fear of God whatsoever.
The Scriptures appear to be very clear on this matter. If a person has no fear
of God whatsoever, salvation by grace has not appeared to them.

COME
AND HEAR, ALL YE THAT FEAR GOD-Ps 66:16. THEN PAUL STOOD UP, AND BECKONING WITH
HIS HAND SAID, MEN OF ISRAEL, AND YE THAT FEAR GOD, GIVE AUDIENCE-Acts 13:16.
MEN AND BRETHREN, CHILDREN OF THE STOCK OF ABRAHAM, AND WHOSOEVER AMONG YOU
FEARETH GOD, "TO YOU" IS THE WORD OF THIS SALVATION SENT-Acts 13:26.
The word of salvation "is sent" to whosoever feareth God. HE THAT
WALKETH IN HIS UPRIGHTNESS FEARETH THE LORD-Pv 14:2. FEAR NOT THEM WHICH KILL
THE BODY, BUT ARE NOT ABLE TO KILL THE SOUL: BUT RATHER FEAR HIM WHICH IS ABLE
TO DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL-Mt 10:28. Beware of those who teach that
we are not to fear God, or who teach that the fear of God as taught by the Scriptures
does not mean exactly what it says. WHEREFORE THE LORD SAID, FORASMUCH AS THIS
PEOPLE DRAW NEAR ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND WITH THEIR LIPS "DO" HONOR
ME, "BUT" HAVE REMOVED THEIR HEART FAR FROM ME, AND THEIR FEAR TOWARD
ME IS TAUGHT BY THE "PRECEPT OF MEN"-Isa 29:13. There is a battle
going on inside us. It is a battle between truth and error. THE FEAR OF THE
LORD TENDETH TO LIFE-Pv 19:23. THE LORD TAKETH PLEASURE IN THEM THAT FEAR HIM-Ps
147:11.

12.
Another sign we may look for that a person is a converted, born-again Christian
is that he welcomes and loves other born-again Christians that bring him the
Word. An "illegitimate son", one who is not really born-again, may
reject someone sent by God that comes to them. HE THAT RECEIVETH YOU RECEIVETH
ME, AND HE THAT RECEIVETH ME RECEIVETH HIM THAT SENT ME-Mt 10:40. HE THAT HEARETH
YOU HEARETH ME; AND HE THAT DESPISETH YOU DESPISETH ME; AND HE THAT DESPISETH
ME DESPISETH HIM THAT SENT ME-Lk 10:16. VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO YOU, HE THAT
RECEIVETH WHOMSOEVER I SEND RECEIVETH ME; AND HE THAT RECEIVETH ME RECEIVETH
HIM THAT SENT ME-Jn 13:20. WE "KNOW" THAT WE HAVE PASSED FROM DEATH
UNTO LIFE (been converted), BECAUSE WE LOVE THE BRETHREN. HE THAT LOVETH NOT
HIS BROTHER ABIDETH IN DEATH-1 Jn 3:14. IF A MAN SAY, I LOVE GOD, AND HATETH
"HIS BROTHER", HE IS A LIAR: FOR HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER WHOM
HE HATH SEEN, HOW CAN HE LOVE GOD WHOM HE HATH NOT SEEN? AND THIS COMMANDMENT
HAVE WE FROM HIM, THAT HE WHO LOVETH GOD LOVE HIS BROTHER (brother in Christ)
ALSO-1 Jn 4:20,21.

13.
Another sign we may look for that a person is a converted, born-again Christian
is: Are they willing to receive correction from the Word of God? We are to receive
correction from the Holy Spirit dealing with us directly with the Word of God.
We are also to receive correction from one that God sends.
If they refuse, it is a good indication that they are not converted, or they
are falling into deceit and sin. CORRECTION IS GRIEVOUS UNTO HIM THAT FORSAKETH
THE WAY: AND HE THAT HATETH REPROOF SHALL DIE-Pv 15:10. HEAR INSTRUCTION, AND
BE WISE, AND REFUSE IT NOT-Pv 8:33. WE ARE OF GOD: HE THAT KNOWETH GOD HEARETH
US; HE THAT IS NOT OF GOD HEARETH NOT US. HEREBY KNOW WE THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH,
AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR-1 Jn 4:6. Remember: any correction that
is given must always be in harmony with Godís Word.

14.
Another sign we may look for that a person has been converted is they forgive
people. It is written, THEREFORE IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN LIKENED UNTO A CERTAIN
KING, WHICH WOULD TAKE ACCOUNT OF HIS SERVANTS. AND WHEN HE HAD BEGUN TO RECKON,
ONE WAS BROUGHT UNTO HIM, WHICH OWED HIM TEN THOUSAND TALENTS. BUT FORASMUCH
AS HE HAD NOT TO PAY, HIS LORD COMMANDED HIM TO BE SOLD, AND HIS WIFE, AND CHILDREN,
AND ALL THAT HE HAD, AND PAYMENT TO BE MADE. THE SERVANT THEREFORE FELL DOWN,
AND WORSHIPPED HIM, SAYING, LORD, HAVE PATIENCE WITH ME, AND I WILL PAY THEE
ALL. THEN THE LORD OF THAT SERVANT WAS MOVED WITH COMPASSION, AND LOOSED HIM,
AND FORGAVE HIM THE DEBT. BUT THE SAME SERVANT WENT OUT, AND FOUND ONE OF HIS
FELLOW SERVANTS, WHICH OWED HIM AN HUNDRED PENCE: AND HE LAID HANDS ON HIM,
AND TOOK HIM BY THE THROAT, SAYING, PAY ME THAT THOU OWEST.

AND
HIS FELLOW SERVANT FELL DOWN AT HIS FEET, AND BESOUGHT HIM, SAYING, HAVE PATIENCE
WITH ME, AND I WILL PAY THEE ALL. AND HE WOULD NOT: BUT WENT AND CAST HIM INTO
PRISON, TILL HE SHOULD PAY THE DEBT. SO WHEN HIS FELLOW SERVANTS SAW WHAT WAS
DONE, THEY WERE VERY SORRY, AND CAME AND TOLD UNTO THEIR LORD ALL THAT WAS DONE.
THEN HIS LORD, AFTER THAT HE HAD CALLED HIM, SAID UNTO HIM, O THOU WICKED SERVANT,
I FORGAVE THEE ALL THAT DEBT, BECAUSE THOU DESIREDST ME: SHOULDEST NOT THOU
ALSO HAVE HAD COMPASSION ON THY FELLOW SERVANT, EVEN AS I HAD PITY ON THEE?
AND HIS LORD WAS WROTH, AND DELIVERED HIM TO THE TORMENTORS, TILL HE SHOULD
PAY ALL THAT WAS DUE UNTO HIM. SO LIKEWISE SHALL MY HEAVENLY FATHER DO ALSO
UNTO YOU, IF YE FROM YOUR HEARTS FORGIVE NOT EVERY ONE HIS BROTHER THEIR TRESPASSES-Mt
18:23-35.

* * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

5-AFTER
BAPTISM

Immediately
after being baptized, it is not uncommon for a person that has been born-again
to have horribly wicked thoughts. These thoughts can make a person believe they
are not truly saved. Beware of Satanís lies and tactics. Submit to God, and
resist these thoughts. Think on the things of Jesus. As it is written in Phil
4:8, FINALLY, BRETHREN, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE TRUE, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE HONEST,
WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE JUST, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE PURE, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE
LOVELY, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE OF GOOD REPORT; IF THERE BE ANY VIRTUE, AND IF
THERE BE ANY PRAISE, THINK ON THESE THINGS.

It
is also common after receiving Christ by faith, repenting and being baptized,
that the new convert greatly doubts that they are saved. Satan likes to make
a person believe they are saved when they are not, so they will not seek for
the knowledge of the truth. When a person gets saved, Satan likes to make them
believe they are not saved so they might return to their wallowing in the mire
(return to sin). The way we stand against Satanís lies in our mind and in our
feelings , is by the Word. You stand on Scripture that you are saved. Examine
yourself by the Word to see if you are in the faith. Your feelings are not a
trust worthy guide, Godís Word is. IF THERE COME ANY UNTO YOU, AND BRING NOT
THIS DOCTRINE, RECEIVE HIM NOT INTO YOUR HOUSE, NEITHER BID HIM GOD SPEED-2
Jn 10.

6-SIGNS
OR FRUITS

YE SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS.
DO MEN GATHER GRAPES OF THORNS, OR FIGS OF THISTLES? EVEN SO EVERY GOOD TREE
BRINGETH FORTH GOOD FRUIT; BUT A CORRUPT TREE BRINGETH FORTH EVIL FRUIT. EVERY
TREE THAT BRINGETH NOT FORTH GOOD FRUIT IS HEWN DOWN, AND CAST INTO THE FIRE-Mt
7:16,17,19. The Scriptures have shown us that when a person is born-again, he
becomes a changed person. There are many things we can look for that can give
us an indication if the person has really been converted, or if no conversion
has taken place. Usually, if a person states he has faith in Jesus Christ, says
he has repented and has been baptized as the Bible commands, yet no change has
taken place, it is because there may be some sin he will not give up, or will
not acknowledge that there is sin in his life. They may not believe in the Trinity,
or they may not believe Jesus Christ is "God in the flesh," from everlasting
to everlasting. Listed here are a few of the many items Godís Word gives to
help us examine ourselves, to see if we are really saved.

The
fourteen signs that indicate a person may be saved can be reversed to show a
person may not be saved.

1.
Repentance means to give up the old nature: the old ways that are contrary to
Godís ways; and put on the new nature: be converted. One sign we can look for
that a person has not become a converted, born-again Christian is he does not
give up drugs, alcohol, wild parties, smoking, astrology, and all willful sin.
WHAT SHALL WE SAY THEN? SHALL WE CONTINUE IN SIN, THAT GRACE MAY ABOUND? GOD
FORBID. HOW SHALL WE, THAT ARE DEAD TO SIN, LIVE ANY LONGER THEREIN?-Ro 6:1,2.

2.
Another good sign that indicates a person has not become converted is he "does
not" thirst to read the Bible and attend Bible studies.

3.
Another sign we may look for that indicates a person has not become a converted,
born-again Christian is no change in attitude. They do not love other true Christians.
They are not humble. They will not let Jesus direct their life. They will not
allow Jesus to reign over them. They resist obeying some or all of the Bible.

4.
Another sign we may look for that indicates a person may not have become a converted,
born-again Christian is they resist attending a good, Bible teaching, soul winning
church that emphasizes Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism by full immersion
(buried with Jesus in baptism) after believing on Jesus. The life of the pastor
of the church should reflect Jesus. They resist attending on a regular basis.

5.
Another sign that may indicate a person is not born-again is they are ashamed
of Jesus. They seldom ever speak of Jesus to their friends, relatives, fellow
workers, or strangers. They seldom get involved in witnessing and winning the
lost to Jesus.

6.
Another sign we may look for that indicates a person is not converted is, there
is no change in their conversation. Jesus is not in their thoughts or conversation.
They may continue on using filthy language. Their conversation centers on "this"
world, not the world to come. Their heart is in the lusts, desires, and pleasures
of the flesh. They want to "please self." They may be deeply involved
in the cares of "this" life or the deceitfulness of riches.

7.
Another sign we can look for that may indicate a person is on their way to the
second death is they are laying up treasures on this earth. They may love this
world and things that are in this world. They are a "friend" of this
world. This world seems to have a hold on them like a magnet.

8.
Another sign we may look for that a conversion has not taken place is that the
person is not willing to put away unsaved friends. He listens to the counsel
of the unsaved, and may go out on dates with the unsaved. He gets involved in
partnerships with the enemies of the cross. He fellowships with people who may
profess they are Christians, but they live in disobedience to the Scriptures.

9.
Another indication that a person has not become truly born-again is they do
not become selective in their television viewing and what they hear on the radio.
Such things as sex on television, soap operas, murder mysteries, witchcraft,
and perversion, they may enjoy. They may like hard rock music and music with
lyrics about sex and perverted things. They may refuse to turn off perverted
videos and pornographic music.

10.
Yet another sign that we may look for that can show a person may not be a "new
man in Christ Jesus" is their prayers are bouncing off the walls. They
may pray in names other than Jesus Christ. They may not pray over their meals
at home and even less in public. They do not have a consistent prayer life with
Jesus Christ.

11.
Another item we may look for that indicates a person is not where they ought
to be with the Lord is they do not fear God. Their view of God may not be in
accordance with the Scriptures. They may have zeal for God, but not according
to knowledge. The fear of God they might have could be nothing more than rules
taught by men. They may say they love God, but the fear of God may not be before
their eyes.

12.
Another sign we may look for that indicates a person is not where they ought
to be with the Lord is they do not welcome and love other Christians, whose
testimony for Jesus is burning brightly. They may reject those sent to them
by God. They may profess they love God with their lips, but their actions, their
fruits, their deeds, indicate otherwise.

13.
Another good indication that a person has not become a converted, born-again
Christian is he will not receive correction from a spiritual, born-again Christian
that God sends to them. For it is written, CORRECTION IS "GRIEVOUS"
UNTO HIM THAT FORSAKETH "THE" WAY-Pv 15:10.

14.
Another good indication that a person has not become a converted, born-again
Christian is he does not forgive other brethren. It is written, Eph 4:32-AND
BE YE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER, TENDERHEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS GOD
FOR CHRISTíS SAKE HATH FORGIVEN YOU.

15.
There are many other things that can give us an indication that a person has
not become a converted, born-again Christian. Usually, after a person has received
Christ by faith, repented, and been baptized, he begins to have doubts he is
saved. If no such doubts appear, it may be an indication he is "not"
saved.

16.
Another indication a person is not born-again is he is sure that Satan cannot
deceive him. Anyone that believes he can never be deceived by Satan is already
deceived-ref Rev 12:9; Job 20:2,3; 32:18-20; 33:3,4; 38:1,2; 2 Tim 4:10,14.

17.
Another indication a person is not born-again is he refuses to acknowledge he
is a sinner, or he refuses to acknowledge certain sins he is doing.

It
is very common for a person to say, "I feel I am saved. I can feel Jesus
inside me." Satan is very cunning. He often makes the unsaved feel they
are saved, and the saved feel they are not saved. Examine yourself by Godís
Word to see if you are truly a converted, born-again, fruit-bearing Christian.
Read and study your Bible diligently, putting away preconceived, denominational
teachings, and opening up your heart and mind to God. Fear God. Humble yourself
before God. Submit to God. Acknowledge God in all your ways. Ask God what each
Scripture means and pray in faith, not wavering. Study to be quiet.

7-WE
ARE LIVING IN A CHURCH AGE THAT "KNOWEST NOT"

We are living in a church age that KNOWEST NOT
THAT THOU ART WRETCHED, AND MISERABLE, AND POOR, AND BLIND, AND NAKED-Rev 3:17.
Beware, that this Scripture does not apply to you. Jere 7:13-I CALLED YOU, BUT
YE ANSWERED NOT. THIS IS A NATION THAT OBEYETH NOT THE VOICE OF THE LORD THEIR
GOD, NOR RECEIVETH CORRECTION: TRUTH IS PERISHED-Jere 7:28.

8-WHY
WERE YOU BORN? WHY WERE YOU CALLED TO SALVATION?

EVERY
ONE THAT IS CALLED BY MY NAME...I HAVE CREATED HIM FOR "MY" GLORY-Isa
43:7. TO DO OF "HIS" GOOD PLEASURE-Phili 2:13. TO WALK, EVEN AS HE
(Jesus) WALKED-1 Jn 2:6. TO DO...THE WILL OF HIM (God) THAT SENT ME-Jn 6:38.
NOT TO PLEASE OURSELVES-Ro 15:1. To DENY HIMSELF, AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS DAILY,
AND FOLLOW ME (Jesus)-Lk 9:23. To DEPART FROM INIQUITY-2 Tim 2:19. FOR THY PLEASURE-Rev
4:11. THIS PEOPLE HAVE I FORMED FOR MYSELF; THEY SHALL SHOW FORTH MY PRAISE-Isa
43:21. YE ARE A CHOSEN GENERATION, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, AN HOLY NATION...THAT
YE SHOULD SHEW FORTH...PRAISES OF HIM-1 Pe 2:9. FOR WE ARE "HIS" WORKMANSHIP,
CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO "GOOD WORKS", WHICH GOD HATH BEFORE "ORDAINED"
THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM-Eph 2:10. TO FINISH HIS WORK-Jn 4:34. God is not
willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Many
refuse and say, WE WILL NOT HEARKEN UNTO THEE-Jere 44:16. As God deals with
others, they say "yes" to the claims of Christ. They repent and begin
a journey of learning obedience to the Lord. THOUGH HE (Jesus) WERE A SON, YET
LEARNED HE OBEDIENCE BY THE THINGS WHICH HE SUFFERED-Heb 5:8. As a person walks
with Jesus, Satan will try to draw him away.

9-SATAN,
WHO IS ALSO CALLED THE DRAGON

Satan, who is also called the dragon,
Lucifer, the devil, the serpent, Beelzebub, is the prince of the power of the
air-Eph 2:2, and the prince of this world-Jn 14:30. He is the son of the morning-Isa
14:12. He is an accuser, an evil one, a tempter, a destroyer, a spirit. He is
your enemy. He wiles, devises, snares, beguiles, seduces, oppresses, resists,
blasphemes, deceives, sows tares, hinders, buffets, tempts, persecutes, leads
the world astray, masquerades as an angel of light, desires, schemes, provokes,
goes to and fro, walks up and down, distorts the Word, and he has not in mind
the things of God, but of men. He binds with sickness, enters people, he is
a thief, he steals, and he fills peopleís hearts to lie. There is no light in
him. He is the power of darkness, and he works in the children of disobedience.
Most people unsaved and saved, greatly underestimate Satan. His power to deceive
is so great, that Satan has caused most churches to neglect preaching about
him; and about sin, hell, repentance, water baptism, being a doer of the Word
and not a hearer only, fearing the Lord, serving God, and about being in a spiritual
battle.

HE
THAT HATH MY COMMANDMENTS, AND "KEEPETH THEM", "HE" IT IS
THAT LOVETH ME-Jn 14:21.